Chairman Senate addressed APA

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari has said addressing the APA that it is indeed a privilege and pleasure to be amidst such a luminous constellation of regional leaders, legislators and thinkers par excellence who collectively represent pragmatism, rich diversity, pluralism and positivity that defines our great continent in this Asian Century.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said thatI warmly welcome you in Geneva. With slight change in plans with the venue but double the conviction I assure you as this Executive Council Meeting had to be moved here from Islamabad due to certain unavoidable reasons.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said thatI take this opportunity to acknowledge your determination in steering APA initiatives towards realizing common objectives as per the APA Charter and as also debated during various sub-forums and standing committee meetings since the 6th Plenary session held in Islamabad last December.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that in this regard, I deem it pertinent to mention the successful holding of the first Troika-plus meeting earlier this year which augmented our efforts towards networking out intricacies of the important decisions made and issues identified during the 6th plenary Session Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that the present Executive Council meeting picks up the thread in continuation of our joint endeavours to tap the enormous potential of Asian continent for the betterment of our peoples, by forging strong and enduring inter and intra-regional partnerships.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that I avidly look forward to listening to the views and suggestions from our distinguished participants as we review the progress on the decisions made during the 1st Troika-Plus meeting.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that during the course of our present engagement, we will also finalize the draft resolutions compiled laboriously by the standing committees on Political Affairs; Economic Affairs and Sustainable Development; and Social and Cultural Affairs.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that I must convey my deep appreciation to the distinguished Members of the standing committees whose collective wisdom, knowledge and expertise contributed to drafting such comprehensive recommendations that portray the sentiments and expectations of the people of Asia, voiced through their elected representatives.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that now in order to make a real difference, a strong and mutually-beneficial regional integration will serve as a dire pre-requisite and prelude to the establishment of a fully representative and vibrant Asian parliament. In the form of an Asian Parliament, I see a forum that can harness individual strengths and resilience for shared benefits and equal opportunities for development and progress.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that however, to make it all possible, first we must muster up a strong political will across the region at the governmental, political and parliamentary level to serve as a firm bed-rock to base our future initiatives on. And this is what we need to strive for at APA’s platform.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that the realization of the shared vision of a unified Asian parliament is contingent upon how efficiently we resolve the complexities of multi-stratum integration and cooperation. Trade, Investment, Economy, Energy and Environment will be key areas to begin with.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that but, at the same time, we must be mindful that economic and commercial activities are squeezed in an uncertain environment. Peace is a must and regional stability is key to prosperity.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that It is for this cardinal reason that Pakistan believes in the promotion of peace and security in the region.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that at the forefront of the global campaign against terrorism for over one decade now, we are not fighting this war for our security alone – we are fighting this war for global and regional peace and security.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that It is with firm resolve that our valiant armed forces are fighting a decisive battle against terrorist Elements in North Waziristan. Terrorists are being eliminated and dislodged from their bases as operation Zarb-e-Azb progresses as per plan.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that Our firm belief in peaceful coexistence in what drives our foreign policy, which is geared towards strengthening economic bonds and good relations with all, particularly our neighbors. I am optimistic that our neighbours will respond positively to our sincere and friendly overtures.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that our peoples have high expectations from us – and we have not come this far to fail them.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that terms like “Asian Century” and “Asia being the new economic, cultural and technological hub of the world’ may end up as jarring cliches, if fruits of Asia’s success and achievements do not trickle down to the grassroots – to the masses.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that as always, where there are dark clouds, there is silver lining as well. APA provides a unique platform for us to tide over all such obstacles and work towards a higher calling.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said that I am positive that deliberations and outcomes of this Executive Council meeting and our future endeavors will help us achieve all this and more, especially the prime objective of establishing a fully-representative Asian parliament.

With these words, I once again welcome you, and wish you a comfortable stay and a really motivating and stimulating experience.